Best Practice Action 5.1
GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
Building Redevelopment No. 5
Create economic and regulatory incentives for redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 1
Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.
- A '3Rs of building' would first reduce the need for building space, next reuse existing buildings/building components, then recycle and manage building materials before building a new building or building addition.
Historic/Cultural Surveys:
- The State Historic Preservation Office provides resources on above-ground and archeological surveys.
- Minnesota Statewide Historic Preservation Plan 2022-2032 (State Historic Preservation Office)
- Building Material Management Plan (MPCA)
- Heritage Preservation Commissions across Minnesota can help identify and preserve historic properties.
- Lead the Change Case Study Explorer shares crowdsourced case studies to educate, inspire, and spread positive change in current and future preservation work.
Preservation Ordinances:
- Sample historic preservation ordinance (MN Historic Preservation Office)
- The Certified Local Government Program is a nationwide program that helps local preservation groups transform themselves from grass-roots advocates to policymakers. A city, county or township with a qualifying heritage preservation ordinance and commission (HPC) may become a Certified Local Government (CLG) by applying to the SHPO. CLG status enables the local government to apply for federal matching grants to preserve historic properties. This local-state-federal partnership encourages the integration of historic preservation into local government policy.
- See model ordinances for adding renewable energy into historic buildings.
- See BPA 22.8 for information on deconstruction ordinances.
Rehab Incentives:
- Tax incentives for historic preservation.
- Assistance on barn preservation from Friends of Minnesota Barns.
- Find example local government climate action plans that address materials management and waste (EPA, 2023).
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Complete an historic/cultural resources survey of city assets to determine which buildings/sites are community assets and have more potential for preservation/reuse due to potential access to financial incentives. |
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Designate a historic district; incorporate historic preservation-friendly language into the city’s zoning code and/or into regulatory ordinances (relating to signs and other design guidelines); adopt an historic preservation ordinance (which typically establishes an historic preservation commission); incentivize historic preservation. |
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Become a Certified Local Government (CLG) for historic preservation; pair rehab financial incentives with energy and resource conservation, indoor air quality and other green building practices. |
Who's doing it
Albert Lea -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2005
Implementation details:
Downtown Albert Lea is designated as a historic commercial district. The historic district includes 91 contributing buildings. These buildings are the target of adaptive reuse and are eligible for state and federal funding. The City has worked directly on a number of redevelopment projects in the historic commercial district.
Albert Lea has been a CLG since 2005.
Albert Lea has been a CLG since 2005.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jerry Gabrielatos (City staff) | jgabrielatos@ci.albertlea.mn.us | 507-377-4316
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1990
Implementation details:
Duluth's Heritage Preservation Commission was created in 1989 to help preserve, protect, and promote areas that have special historical, community or aesthetic value. The commission recommends sites worthy of historic preservation to the City Council, approves or denies construction and demolition permits for historic locations, and works to educate citizens of the city about the historic and architectural heritage of the city.
The city has 2 designated Historic Districts that help preserve the atmosphere and architecture of the Civic Center and the Duluth State Normal School. Additional places can be designated as historic resources through a codified process.
Duluth has been a Certified Local Government since 1990, and the most recently adopted governing principles for the comprehensive plan calls for the reuse of previously developed lands including the adaptive reuse of existing building stock and historic resources.
The city has 2 designated Historic Districts that help preserve the atmosphere and architecture of the Civic Center and the Duluth State Normal School. Additional places can be designated as historic resources through a codified process.
Duluth has been a Certified Local Government since 1990, and the most recently adopted governing principles for the comprehensive plan calls for the reuse of previously developed lands including the adaptive reuse of existing building stock and historic resources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.nps.gov/state/mn/list.htm?program=all
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has a Historic Preservation section of the city code which allows reuse of historic buildings.
The City is also a Certified Local Government (CLG) and has an active Heritage Preservation Commision.
The City is also a Certified Local Government (CLG) and has an active Heritage Preservation Commision.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.mnhs.org/localhistory/mho/heritage.html
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
New Ulm -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1996
Implementation details:
The City of New Ulm, with support from the Heritage Preservation Commission (established under Ordinance No. 95-007) has compiled a list of historical landmarks within the community. Of these locations, the majority are buildings that have been repurposed for alternative uses such as tourist attractions, museums, office spaces, and functional homes. Within these historical landmarks are three distinct historical districts established. They include Hauenstein Brewery Historic District, Commercial Center Historic District, and South Broadway Historic District. Additionally, the Heritage Preservation Commission with the help of Thomas R. Zahn & Associates, composed the Downtown Preservation Design Guidelines which provides building preservation and rehabilitation information for property owners within the downtown New Ulm Historic District. The City of New Ulm also offers a Signage and Awning Grant Program. Between 2012- 2013, a building on the National Register of Historic Places was rehabilitated into a mult-use community building that kept historic design elements and is home to arts and culture organization within New Ulm. This location was eligible to use the Historic Tax Credit. This allowed for additional monies towards LED lighting and energy efficiency upgrades to heating and cooling. The latest building to utilize the Historic Tax credit was an old high school that was revamped into an apartment with 49 units. This recent rehabilitation included energy efficient upgrades that included district energy (steam). City of New Ulm has been a Certified Local Government (CLG) since 1996.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://grantsdev.cr.nps.gov/CLG_Review/GetCLGCoordinator.cfm?IDNumber=993
For more information contact:
Derek Nelson (City Staff) | DerekN@newulmmn.gov | 507-233-2110
Partners:
Roseville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city encourages citizens to update existing homes and provides guidance through the "Green Modeling Plan" book. This is part of the "Living Smarter" program. Energy efficiency audits are offered to 200 residents free each year through X-cel Energy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.cityofroseville.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/19847
For more information contact:
Ryan Johnson (City staff) | Ryan.johnson@cityofroseville.com | 651-792-7049
Partners:
Saint Cloud -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1991
Implementation details:
The City of Saint Cloud adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1990 for the purposes of protecting and preserving the historic neighborhoods, structures and properties within the city. In 1991, St. Cloud became a Certified Local Government. Through the years, the St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Commission has successfully integrated historic preservation into broader community development. In 2003 the City adopted the Residential Historic District Preservation Design Manual and the Downtown Preservation Design Manual as tools for property owners to design and build new structures within the historic districts, and/or renovate existing structures within the districts. This includes renovations that help with energy efficiency. Both the Residential and Downtown Design Manuals encourage in-fill development and designing and building structures to maintain the historic character of the district including design elements, facades, window and sign structure and placement and setbacks. In addition, the Manuals encourage the use of modern building techniques, styles and materials to achieve the design guidelines which would include green building materials and practices aimed at reducing energy and resources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Date of becoming a CLG: 1991
Annual report completed to maintain CLG status yearly. In 2023, the City of St. Cloud received a $33,993 CLG grant to prepare design guideline manuals for commercial and residential properties.
Annual report completed to maintain CLG status yearly. In 2023, the City of St. Cloud received a $33,993 CLG grant to prepare design guideline manuals for commercial and residential properties.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/130/Resources
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners: St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Commission
Arlington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 1999, a Planning Committee comprised of 23 members outlined goals in a Long-Range Plan. One of the goals was a Rehabilitation and Preservation Goal to preserve the City's history for future generations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Rehabilitation and preservation efforts were focused primarily along the Main Street of Arlington. The first few projects included the rehabilitation of the old fire hall and the movie theater. Since then, the Planning Commission worked for nearly a year to present Ordinance No. 297 to the City Council. The Council adopted the ordinance which calls for design standards in the B-2 Central Business District which calls for design standards that are sensitive to, compatible with and reminiscent of historic building patterns. The EDA is now working on drafting a Facade Improvement Grant Program to support the new ordinance.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Cynthia Smith-Strack (Contractor) | cstrack@municipaldevelopmentgroup.com | 507-964-2378
Partners: Arlington Historical Society, Planning & Zoning Committee and City Council
Carver -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
The City of Carver's Historic Downtown is designated through the State of Minnesota's Historic Preservation Office. We have an active Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) that reviews all exterior projects that have a historic designation. The City has adopted both residential standards as well as commercial standards that apply to buildings in the downtown.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityofcarver.com/233/Heritage-Preservation-Commission-HPC
All HPC information, including residential and commercial guidelines can be found via this webpage.
For more information contact:
Erin Smith (City Staff) | esmith@cityofcarver.com | 9524488743
Partners: State of Minnesota Historic Preservation Office
Cottage Grove -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove has adopted a Historical Preservation Ordinance protecting places, areas, buildings, structures and other odjects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the people.
This ordinance also established an advisory committee on historic preservation who will request to council designation of historic landmarks, sites or districts within the community.
This ordinance also established an advisory committee on historic preservation who will request to council designation of historic landmarks, sites or districts within the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
Partners:
Faribault -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1981
Implementation details:
Faribault's Ordinance 81-12 created a Heritage Preservation Committee to protect buildings in Faribault's Heritage Preservation District and Downtown Sign District. This committee reviews any changes to the collection of historic buildings in the downtown in accordance with Ordinance 82-5.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://ci.faribault.mn.us/316/Historic-Preservation
For more information contact:
Dave Wanberg (City staff) | dwanberg@ci.faribault.mn.us | 507-333-0350
Partners:
Granite Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City implemented a downtown historic district which includes historic preservation friendly language to preserve the historic look of downtown Granite Falls. Further a committee will review any improvements proposed by the downtown businesses to ensure they follow the historic preservation district requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Crystal Johnson (City staff) | crystal.johnson@granitefalls.com | 320-56-3011
Partners: Cathy Anderson EDA Director
Hastings -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hastings has historic preservation ordinances/regulations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melanie Mesko-Lee (City staff) | mmesko_lee@hastingsmn.gov | 651-480-2326
Partners:
Lake Elmo -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo recently adopted a new Planned Unity Development (PUD) Ordinance (attached) that allows for a 10% density bonus for projects that include Historic Preservation. In addition, a 5% density bonus is provided for projects that include Adaptive Reuse.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Partners:
Mankato -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Mankato established its Heritage Preservation Commission in 2008, after adoption of the Heritage Preservation Ordinance incorporated within the City's Zoning Ordinance. The Heritage Preservation Commmission (HPC) oversees and encourages utilization and reuse of buildings in older and historic neighborhoods, which fosters creative reuse of existing buildings without need for new construction, while also acknowledging and encouraging preservation of Mankato's history.
The City of mankato is recognized by the MN State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as a Certified Local Government; list of CLG's available at http://www.mnhs.org/localhistory/mho/heritage.html
The City of mankato is recognized by the MN State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as a Certified Local Government; list of CLG's available at http://www.mnhs.org/localhistory/mho/heritage.html
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CityCode/Section-10.82.aspx
For more information contact:
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Maplewood has an historic preservation commission and ordinance to address the preservation of historical buildings and the environmental surrounding in future city planning and development projects.
The Heritage Preservation Commission was created to help the city of Maplewood with its overall historic preservation goals. These goals include; supporting the protection of the City’s heritage by preserving, protecting, conserving, and wisely using the significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological objects, structures, buildings, sites in the City.
The Heritage Preservation Commission was created to help the city of Maplewood with its overall historic preservation goals. These goals include; supporting the protection of the City’s heritage by preserving, protecting, conserving, and wisely using the significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological objects, structures, buildings, sites in the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Blank Blank (City Staff) | Blank | Blank
Partners:
Northfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Chapter 34, Article 4.5 indicates the use of a Heritage Preservation Commission that submits an annual report. This annual report identifies historic buildings that have been re purposed. These buildings are typically in our Downtown area. For example, the historic Depot site is being moved to another site adjacent to the Railroad where is will be repurposed as a transit hub building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.municode.com/library/mn/northfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIINOCO_CH34LADECO_ART4AD
For more information contact:
Beth Kallestad (City staff) | beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us | 507-645-3074
Partners: Save the Northfield Depot
Red Wing -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Red Wing has one of the oldest Historic Preservation Ordinances in Minnesota. The Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission has worked with dozens of adaptive reuse projects including the St. James Hotel, Riverfront Center, Sheldon Theatre, Pottery Factories, Red Wing Depots, Central High School, and many others.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Saint Peter -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1989
Implementation details:
Section 10.167 of Saint Peter code of ordinance: The district described in Res. No. 1989-95 by the City Council at the public hearing of June 12, 1989, and designated the "Saint Peter Historic District" is hereby adopted as part of this chapter and is designated as the Saint Peter Heritage Preservation District. This article has been developed with the purpose to preserve and promote the natural beauty and distinctive historic character of the Saint Peter Heritage Preservation Property, which is so intimately connected with the history and life of the City, to maintain and promote the charm and atmosphere of an integrated shopping, living,entertainment, and recreation area for visitors and the people of the City, to the end that the public welfare will be promoted and advanced through the preservation of property values and the resulting benefits to the economy of the City flowing from the promotion and maintenance of the City as a leading attraction for tourists and most importantly, to preserve and promote the quality of life for the citizens of the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/saint_peter/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_CH10BUBURE_ARTVHEPR
For more information contact:
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Partners:
Stillwater -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1987
Implementation details:
Ordinance 664 amends Chapter 22 of Stillwater's Code to include, that every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purposes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Abbi Wittman (City staff) | Awittman@ci.stillwater.mn.us | 651-430-8822
Partners:
Winona -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1989
Implementation details:
The City of Winona has an heritage preservation ordinance defined in City Code 22.27. A heritage preservation commission meets on a monthly basis to identify, designate, protect, and promote significant historic resources of the City.
The City has two historic districts: Downtown (commercial) and Windom Park (residential).
The City has two historic districts: Downtown (commercial) and Windom Park (residential).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/boards-commissions/heritage-preservation-commission/heritage-preservation-committee/
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250
Partners:
Belle Plaine -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Belle Plaine has adopted code that provides design guidelines to preserve the historic central business district.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.belleplainemn.com/sites/default/files/images/1107.22%20PRESERVATION%20OF%20BP%20CHARACTER%20DESIGN%20STANDARDS_1.pdf
For more information contact:
Laura Blue (City staff) | lblue@ci.belleplaine.mn.us | 952-873-5553
Partners:
Farmington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The heritage preservation ordinance was approved on February 16, 1999 in order to preserve buildings in our city. It's purpose was to do the following:
1. The quality of significance in history, architecture, archeology, and culture is present in buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
(a) That are associated with specific events or a pattern of events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
(b) That are associated with the lives of persons or groups significant in our past; or
(c) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master builder, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity those components may lack individual distinction; or
(d) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
2. The singular physical appearance, historic character or aesthetic value of an established or familiar feature of a neighborhood or community within the City.
The ordinance is explained below:
Discussion of the Heritage Preservation Commission's Duties and Powers, the designation of Heritage Landmarks; Design review of old and new buildings requesting permits; and the demolition of buildings over 50 years old.
1. The quality of significance in history, architecture, archeology, and culture is present in buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
(a) That are associated with specific events or a pattern of events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
(b) That are associated with the lives of persons or groups significant in our past; or
(c) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master builder, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity those components may lack individual distinction; or
(d) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
2. The singular physical appearance, historic character or aesthetic value of an established or familiar feature of a neighborhood or community within the City.
The ordinance is explained below:
Discussion of the Heritage Preservation Commission's Duties and Powers, the designation of Heritage Landmarks; Design review of old and new buildings requesting permits; and the demolition of buildings over 50 years old.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
An ordinance that requires the review of a building that is 50 years or older to be discussed before any demolition may occur. In those discussions, the determination of use, building restoration or rehabilitation is reviewed.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=463
For more information contact:
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Partners:
Newport -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1997
Implementation details:
The City has a Heritage Preservation Ordinance in its City Code that preserves and protects areas, places, buildings, structures and objects that have a historical, community or aesthetic interest to the City of Newport.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.municode.com/library/mn/newport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH16HEPR
For more information contact:
Deb Schulz (City staff) | dschulz@newportmn.com | 651-459-5677
Partners:
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
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Implementation details:
The Rochester Urban Service Area Land Use Plan encourages and the Rochester Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Manual provides incentives for adaptive reuse of existing historic or cultural buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/planning_zoning/Chapter%2062/62740ADAPTIVE_REUSE_CULTURAL_BUILDINGS.asp
For more information contact:
Jeff Ellerbusch (City staff) | ellerbusch.jeff@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US | 507-328-7132
Partners:
Willmar -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Chapter 5 Section G and H address Historic Preservation
The city of Willmar has adopted a Downtown Plan with a Chapter on Historic Preservation.
The city of Willmar has adopted a Downtown Plan with a Chapter on Historic Preservation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
2 Buildings in the Central Business District have recently been selected as historic structures. Lakeland Hotel and Tribune building (Engan Associates Building)
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.willmarmn.gov/sites/default/files/u15/Downtown%20Plan.pdf
For more information contact:
Sara Sietsema (City Staff) | ssietsema@willmarmn.gov | 320-235-4760
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Erin Hanafin Berg, Policy Director, Rethos: 651-293-9047, erin@rethos.org, www.rethos.org